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Small garden landscaping designs


Small Garden Design Ideas | Garden Design

See how gardeners around the country have created wonderful gardens in small spaces

Small gardens have a lot more potential than you may realize. Whether dealing with a long narrow space behind a vintage home, a cramped backyard that lacks privacy, or a shabby garden at the rear of a brownstone the possibilities are endless. So don’t write off your 40-foot by 20-foot outdoor area just yet—with the right design, it could be an incredible garden.

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CONSIDER FUNCTIONALITY

Designer Karen Chapman says, "Neither beauty nor function needs to be limited by the size of your outdoor space, but it is important to prioritize your wish list in order to make every square inch count." She offers the following advice, suggestions, and tips:

Do you love to entertain family & friends?

Entertaining outdoors always seems so much more relaxed, both for the hosts and the guests, but how many people do you need to accommodate? Two for an intimate lunch? Eight for a sit-down dinner? Twelve or more for an informal BBQ?

Versatile elements that can satisfy more than one function are key in maximizing the potential of small spaces.

What do you want to grow?

Are you hoping to grow cut flowers, your favorite herbs, or a few vegetables? When space is limited, it is especially important to determine which of these are worth growing yourself, and which are better to purchase seasonally from your local farmer’s market. Focus on growing flowers and produce that are usually expensive, hard to find, have a short shelf life, or you use regularly.

Is in-ground planting space limited?

Container gardens provide a simple solution for limited in-ground growing; however, consideration should be given to their size and shape.

13 DESIGN TIPS FOR SMALL SPACES

Having considered the functionality of your space, here are a few designer tips to help you really maximize its potential and create the illusion of a much larger garden.

  1. Look for compact plants. Choose plants that won’t overwhelm the ground plane, but don’t be afraid to include moderate sized or columnar trees to achieve the appropriate scale.
  2. Think outside the box. What about vertical gardens? Railing planters? Hanging baskets for strawberries? (See an example of a living wall/vertical succulent garden below.)
  3. Build a strong foliage framework. Use interesting plants with colorful leaves before layering in flowering plants.
  4. Make every square inch count. Focus on high-value trees, shrubs, and perennials that offer multiple seasons of interest with attractive leaves, seasonal flowers, unique textures, colorful bark and/or great fall color.
  5. Create privacy. You may not have room for large evergreen trees and shrubs to create privacy. But, would a row of one of the many columnar varieties that provide height—without the width—work? If only seasonal screening is needed, perhaps narrow, columnar, deciduous trees or shrubs would be suitable? Or perhaps growing well-behaved climbers (e. g. jasmine or annual vines) on a vertical trellis would be the best solution.
  6. Do you really need a lawn? Does your lawn visually break up your space unnecessarily? Does it make more sense to extend the patio?
  7. Choose outdoor furniture with care. Forgo extra deep armchairs with wide armrests in favor of sleeker profiles.
  8. Add a water feature. Water features are always a great addition to a garden. While a pond and waterfall may not be realistic, a simple recirculating wall fountain or bubbling tabletop pot may be the answer.
  9. Create a sense of order. Clean lines bring an orderly feel to the garden. A clear rectilinear design can define spaces, while flowing organic curves can be used to soften awkward angles.
  10. Use the diagonal axis. A typical suburban garden is often wide but shallow. Looking straight across the back garden therefore emphasizes the shortest dimension. Alter the perspective by turning the patio, planting beds, and sight lines 45-degrees to line up with the diagonal axis, creating the illusion of a much larger space. (See an example of this design strategy below.)
  11. Keep the color palette simple. Two or three colors in varying shades, together with green, will be less visually cluttered than a jelly-bean-like explosion.
  12. Borrow views from outside your boundaries. Frame a distant tree, mountain, or unique architectural detail to give the illusion of greater depth.
  13. Add outdoor lighting. Create drama and mystery, while extending the use of the garden into the evening hours.

SMALL GARDEN INSPIRATION

A strong rectilinear design defines each element clearly, allowing enough space for an upper dining terrace, illuminated pathways, a narrow water feature and contemporary raised beds filled with an abundance of colorful foliage in a restrained palette. Photo: Darcy Daniels

See more of this garden: Going Beyond the Straight and Narrow

Landscape theater is created by the strategic placement of lighting fixtures while clean lines, carefully selected plants, and sleek furniture make the most of this small garden. Photo: Daniel Shea

See more of this garden: London Garden Calls Day and Night.

Retaining walls can double as occasional seating for guests to supplement the lightweight bistro set. Photo credit: Marion Brenner

See more of this garden: A Small Property Gets a Simple & Sustainable Garden

The backyard was transformed by installing a spa, custom lighting, and a lush vertical garden that clads an existing retaining wall. Resurfacing the narrow landing and adding a stairway made of 6-inch-thick sandstone slabs created two levels of outdoor living space. Photo by: Karl Seifert

See more of this garden: Small Backyard Makeover: Using Every Square Inch

Turning the paver patios 45 degrees to the house emphasizes the long diagonal axis, creating a more interesting layout and giving the illusion of greater depth. Design by Karen Chapman, Le-jardinet Designs

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Watch this short video to see how to maximize a small space for outdoor living.

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10 Great Plants for Small Gardens

Get recommendations for small garden plants that won’t outgrow their site By Janet Loughrey, Garden Writer & Photographer

As home lots continue to shrink, one of the biggest decisions is what to plant in the landscape. When space is at a premium, every detail counts, which is why proper plant selection is so important. Choosing small plants, or smaller cultivars or dwarf forms of reliable favorites that won’t outgrow the site will help to keep pruning and editing to a minimum. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Photo by: Janet Loughrey.

1.

Cornus kousa (Kousa dogwood)

Although the average mature size is 15-30 feet high and wide, dwarf forms such as ‘Little Poncho’ and ‘Dwarf Pink’ reach just 8-10 feet tall and wide. Dogwood trees produces creamy white or pink flowers from late spring to early summer, followed by berry-like edible fruits that are attractive through autumn. The glossy green leaves turn brilliant red and purple in fall, while the graceful vase-shaped structure and peeling bronze bark offer winter appeal. Hardy in USDA Zones 5-8, this reliable tree performs best in full sun to partial shade, and is virtually carefree, though regular summer watering is necessary in hotter climates.

Photo by: Iseli Nursery / Randall Smith Photography.

2.

Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’ (coral bark Japanese maple)

Japanese maples have long been a staple in home landscapes, and for good reason. With a wide range of leaf colors—from deep burgundy to chartreuse—brilliant fall foliage, and various forms and sizes, there is something for every type of garden. ‘Sango kaku’ coral bark maple is one of the finest varieties for smaller gardens, with upright structure, and pale green leaves tinged with red that turn brilliant shades of yellow and orange in fall. The most outstanding feature is the coral-pink bark, which becomes brighter—almost florescent—in winter. Hardy in USDA Zones 6-9, coral bark maple reaches 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, and does best in well-draining soil with protection from hot afternoon sun. This versatile tree can be planted in a small courtyard, used as screening, as a container specimen on a deck or patio, or a focal point at the end of a pathway.

Photo by: Janet Loughrey.

3.

Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf hydrangea)

A carefree shrub with four-season interest, oakleaf hydrangea bears serrated leaves that turn bright shades of scarlet, purple and orange in fall. Elegant white flower panicles bloom in summer, fading to hues of pink and soft beige, lasting well into fall. The attractive cinnamon-colored peeling bark is most noticeable in winter. Oakleaf hydrangeas perform best in sunny conditions, with shade during the hottest part of the day, and require less water than other hydrangeas. Hardy in USDA Zones 5-9, standard varieties such as ‘Snow Queen’ reach a mature size of 4-6 feet high and wide, while dwarfs including ‘Pee Wee’ and ‘Ruby Slippers’ will remain smaller. Use oakleaf hydrangea as a foundation plant, or incorporate into a mixed border.

Photo by: Janet Loughrey.

4.

Buxus sempervirens (English boxwood)

Traditional boxwood, which are evergreen staples of formal European landscapes, work with any style garden. In a small space, where smart design is essential, boxwood can serve many important functions: instilling order, defining garden rooms, as edging for pathways, or as stand-alone focal points in containers. Tolerant of a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to shade, these deer-resistant shrubs can thrive in a wide range of soils as long as there is good drainage to prevent root rot. ‘Suffruticosa’, which is hardy in USDA Zones 6-8, is one of the best dwarf varieties, reaching a mature size of just three feet tall and wide, minimizing the need for frequent pruning. For colder climates, try mounding dwarf ‘Green Gem’, or upright ‘Green Mountain’, which are both hardy in USDA Zones 4-9.

Photo by: Iseli Nursery / Randall Smith Photography.

5.

Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana Gracilis’ (dwarf hinoki cypress)

Dwarf conifers are a great addition to any small garden, as they are slow-growing, low maintenance, and come in a diverse array of shapes and colors for year-round interest. Their uses are similarly wide-ranging: as screening, border accents, focal points, or as container specimens. Native to Japan, dwarf hinoki cypress is one of the most popular evergreens for its captivating layered texture and deep green foliage. ‘Nana Gracilis’ is exceptionally slow growing, reaching just 6-8 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide after many years. Hardy in USDA Zones 4-8, this pyramidal-shaped conifer performs best in moist, well-draining soil, with protection from hot afternoon sun in warmer climates.

Photo by: Tesselaar Plants.

6.

Rosa Flower Carpet® (landscape rose)

Roses, America’s most beloved flowers, have a reputation for being fussy and high-maintenance. Many varieties introduced in recent years have been developed for disease-resistance, easy care, increased vigor, and longer bloom time. Some of the most versatile are the ‘Flower Carpet’ series, which grow to just 2-3 feet tall and wide. These tough, virtually maintenance-free plants can be used as hedging, to spill over a low wall or hillside, at the edge of a border or path, or in containers. Hardy in USDA Zones 4-11 or 5-10 depending on the variety, these reliable performers bloom from late spring through fall in shades of pink, red, white, coral or gold. Roses perform best with at least 6-8 hours of full sun, and when planted in rich, loamy soil.

Photo by: Janet Loughrey.

7.

Clematis x ‘Nelly Moser’

One way to maximize the use of a small space is to grow vining plants vertically up a wall or trellis. Clematis, known as “queen of vines,” are revered for their range of flower forms, colors and season-long interest. It’s hard to pick just one, but the hybrid ‘Nelly Moser’ is a classic favorite, with large, eye-catching striped flowers that bloom in spring and again in late summer, and showy seed heads that last until frost. Hardy in USDA Zones 4-9, ‘Nelly Moser’ is also shade-tolerant, making it a good choice for small courtyards or entryways that receive part day sun. To get the most out of a clematis garden, grow several types together, such as alpine, Jackman and Texensis that bloom at different times over the growing season. Many can be successfully grown in containers on a deck or patio.

Photo by: Janet Loughrey.

8.

Heuchera spp. (coral bells)

Few perennials are as diverse in foliage color, or as versatile in the garden as coral bells. With ruffled evergreen foliage in tones ranging from deep burgundy, silver red, orange, gold and chartreuse, and some with variegation or stain glass patterning, there’s something for every personal taste. The flowers that appear in late spring, some more showy than others, last well into summer. These enchanting plants, most of which grow to 12-18 inches high and wide, are invaluable for edging pathways, as accents in a mixed border, or as container specimens when combined with other small perennials or annuals. Coral bells thrive in a wide range of light conditions, from sun to shade, and perform best in well-amended soil with good drainage. Most varieties are hardy in USDA Zones 4-9, and will benefit with protection from hot afternoon sun in warmer climates.

Photo by: Janet Loughrey.

9.

Helleborus x hybridus (hybrid Lenten rose)

Much attention has been given to this spring workhorse in recent years, and for good reason. Hellebores are one of the first perennials to bloom in early spring, with flower bracts that hold their color for several months. Modern hybrids such as ‘Winter Jewels™’ and ‘Winter Thriller™’ come in a dazzling array of colors, from white to deep burgundy, in speckled or picotee patterns, and single and double forms. Hellebores tolerate a wide range of soil and light conditions, and the leathery foliage stays attractive throughout the growing season. They need very little care once established; a light dressing of compost, and shearing of the old leaves is all that's needed to keep them looking great. Most hybrids are hardy from USDA Zones 4-5, to Zone 8. To best enjoy their nodding blooms, plant hellebores on a raised wall, in containers, or along a walkway near the front entrance of a home where they will be regularly enjoyed.

Photo by: Janet Loughrey.

10.

Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Japanese forest grass)

Smaller ornamental grasses can add season-long texture and foliage color, with many needing little or no care. One of few varieties suitable for woodland gardens or other shady areas is Japanese forest grass, with brilliant golden foliage that lights up even the darkest of spaces. Use these versatile grasses to edge borders or create repeat patterns with complementary colors of purple or brown. They are also stunning when planted in containers in an entryway, or as an eye-catching focal point. Hardy to USDA Zones 5-9, Japanese forest grass forms neat mounds up to two feet high and wide and performs best in rich, well-draining soil.

Here are a few other pointers for selecting plants for a small space:

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Landscaping of a small area: techniques for expanding space

Arranging a suburban area with a very limited area is a very exciting experience. To create comfort in crowded conditions, designers have come up with many ways. How to successfully arrange the landscape design of a small area in detail in the text of the article.

To create a landscape design for a small area, there are certain rules for visually increasing the space

For any urban dweller, a country house is a rest from the hustle and bustle of cities, unity with nature, relaxation, peace. To create a “piece of paradise” for yourself and your family, you will have to try very hard. When the dacha is small, then it will take a little money and time to improve it. She will be able to please the owners anyway.

Individual elements can visually limit the area of ​​the garden, they will have to be hidden or removed

Content

Site zoning

When zoning a small area, you need to think carefully about where and which zones to place. Most of the space is usually allocated for a garden, a vegetable garden. Three times less will be needed for a recreation area, flower beds, and everything else - a house, outbuildings. This ratio allows you to harmoniously, functionally place everything. Instead of a garden, some make a small pond with green lawns around.

Outline of the zoning of the space of the site

What you need to consider when developing a plan with your own hands.

To divide the territory into zones, it is better to use low partitions made of natural stone

Japanese-style small garden design is very popular. In such a garden, trees, figurines, ponds, rock gardens, stones, etc. will be miniature, then the space of the site will seem large. An abundance of moss, ground cover plants, small flowers will produce the same effect.

A dwarf tree, a tiny arbor and stones - why not a "piece" of Japan in the center of a green lawn

See also English garden landscape design: ideas from photos

Three basic rules

There are three rules to follow in landscaping a limited-sized dacha:

  1. Removing artificial walls. No "deaf" high fences - they will make the space very cramped. Instead of a large dense fence, you should choose a fence made of a low picket fence, a chain-link mesh, a wattle fence, along which climbing plants are planted.
  2. Release the center. Large buildings, tall decorations, trees should be placed at the edges. In the middle of the site, you can dig a pond, make a smooth green lawn.
  3. We create an accent point, a "highlight" of the site. It can be a luxurious flower bed, mostly with light flowers, a small illuminated fountain, a platform with a stone hearth, a bridge over a stream or the house itself.

A vertical support for a climbing plant covered with greenery or flowers creates perspective and space becomes more spacious

Illusion of scale - all the paths leading to the center of the garden pass through tall plants, leaving only a corner to relax

Visual increase in space can be achieved with multi-level platforms

Wrought iron fence is originally combined with the same benches, table, barbecue. If for some reason the fence has to be made concrete, it is decorated with convex mirrors - visually it will seem that there is twice as much space in the yard as it actually is. Hanging flower beds-pockets are placed on a high fence, in which purslane, begonia, alyssum, fuchsia or even strawberries, lettuce, parsley grow.

See alsoCountry design with your own hands from improvised materials

The limited space of the cottage is its disadvantage, which is difficult to hide. But you can emphasize the dignity of this place by adding bright details. A colorful playground, homemade benches, hand-painted wooden sculptures, an unusual garden.

It seems that behind the opening in the wall there is a garden immersed in greenery. This is actually a decorative poster that creates the illusion of deceit

Let's use the garden path. It should be made sinuous so that the distance between objects seems to be as large as possible. The paths can be made of stones, gravel, brick remnants, concrete tiles laid directly on the lawn grass. The location of the arch anywhere in the dacha will create the impression that there is another garden on the other side of it.

Winding paths help create the illusion of a large garden

Even a small pond will contribute to the optical effect. Calm water like a mirror reflects clouds and nearby objects - the garden seems much larger than it actually is

An artificial pond with clear water, a waterfall will give the territory "airiness". If several large mirrors are placed above the pond in the corner of the fence, they will not only emphasize the uniqueness of the space, but visually make the site much more spacious. The path leading "to the mirror" set at an angle creates the illusion that the garden is much larger than it seems.

The stream in the stones attracts the eye, diverting from the size of the garden

Mirrors should not be hung too high to prevent birds crashing into them. It should be taken into account how the sun's rays fall on it - the reflected light should not hurt the eyes. It is desirable that something beautiful is reflected in the mirror - when placed opposite the flower bed, the effect of an endless flower field will be created.

Garden furniture should not seem bulky, preferably portable, light colors. Proper lighting of the resting place will visually give it extra space. Buildings, statues, trellises are also recommended to be made white or silver.

Use mixed buildings. The glazed part of this hozblok is suitable for a mini-greenhouse, and in the house there is a place to store garden tools

See also DIY garden decor

Landscaping tips

For landscaping a summer cottage of small size, vertical flower beds are suitable - in the form of a tower, a pyramid. Various plants can be planted in wooden barrels, hemp, floor vases can be decorated with car tires painted in different colors.

As a distracting accent, the standard rose is excellent, during the flowering period it is simply impossible to take your eyes off it

Original decorative elements perfectly distract from the modest size of the plot

To visually enlarge the suburban area with their own hands, designers recommend:

  1. Remove all unnecessary. Buildings, if possible, should be placed in the corners, fences should be made low and transparent. Plant trees along the fence so that they cover the fence with their crowns, without cluttering up the interior space of the site.
  2. Use pond, mirror. A pond near one of the walls, a huge mirror above it will significantly expand the space, making it brighter.
  3. Various shades. Cold colors visually remove objects, warm colors bring them closer. During the day, the color solution is realized with the help of flowering plants, and at night - well-chosen lighting.
  4. Apply screens. They are created for zoning the territory, from small arches, trellises with ornamental and vegetable plants, which is especially convenient when the cottage is located on a hillside.
  5. Layered design. The garden, located on several levels, seems large and varied. You can create cascades by placing tall plants along the walls, low plants closer to the center of the site. Hanging flowerpots will decorate the resting place well. Arches and gazebos entwined with grapes look great.
  6. Enlargement of the garden "deeper". This effect is achieved with the help of volumetric painting of buildings, fences, and the arrangement of trees.

A mini birch alley will create a spatial perspective and add depth to the space

Pergola - one of the options for vertical gardening of the site

If the owner of the site has the skills of an artist, and the fence is concrete and gray, then a whole huge picture can be depicted on it. For example, a seashore, the edge of a forest, a sunset, a summer flowering field.

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Planting a flower garden in a small summer cottage

Getting creative with your garden design will help a lot when it comes to choosing between vegetable plants and a flower bed. Well-fertilized and well-groomed beds in appearance are in no way inferior to decorative flower beds. Colored lettuce leaves, even rows of carrots, asparagus beans in the background along the fence. Onions and garlic are easy to pair with flowers that will bloom much later.

Beautiful flower bed with densely planted flowers

Bed-beds are best located in the warmest, sunniest place. You can ennoble them with improvised materials - colored plastic bottles, stones, bricks, remnants of construction waste. Many flowering plants are planted closer to autumn, when most of the crop has already been harvested. Ipomoea, marigolds, daisies, pansies are suitable. Gladiolus, alpine forget-me-not, petunia, asters, crocuses look good.

An island with flowers in the center of the lawn breaks up the space, blocking the view, and the garden is no longer visible through and through at a glance

The flower garden can be given any shape, but simple geometric shapes are preferred to save space. If the roof of the house or one of the buildings is flat, strong, then a flower bed can be made there. It is only important to choose drought-resistant, light-loving plants. A floating flower garden is a great idea. It is located on a "raft" made of foam, can be anchored to the bottom.

See alsoPlants for landscape design

We take care of the lawn and greenery

If the flower beds are made a little “raised” above the ground, surrounding them with plank or stone sides and adding soil, then they will be able to warm up more by the sun, it is better to bloom and bear fruit. Caring for them will be simplified - it will be possible to approach for watering and processing without dirt.
Lawn watering is carried out using a diffuser or an ordinary watering can. Timely mowing of the lawn and bushes must be done - an overgrown garden gives the impression of an abandoned one. Combing, aeration, pest control, lawn grass fertilization are also desirable.

Every garden plot needs a lawn, even the smallest one

Trees and garden beds need to be fertilized periodically and perennial flowers need to be replanted. Pruning trees, periodically cleaning fallen leaves and rotting fruits, allows them not to get sick.

If the beds, then only beautiful ones

If mirrors are installed in the yard, then it must be taken into account that the sunlight reflected from them, falling on especially delicate plants, can cause them to burn. For the winter, plants that are not frost-resistant should be covered with a spruce forest or special material.

See alsoWhat is needed for the landscaping project of the site

Feng Shui and home garden

Ancient Chinese culture believes that in order to create a harmonious atmosphere in a country house, it is necessary that the Qi energy flow freely. This is carried out when the balance of the five elements is achieved - fire, water, earth, wood, metal. The Feng Shui landscape radiates the purest energy that fills a person.

Place a couple of plants in a calm shade, such as purple, on opposite sides of the plot. Colored bushes echo each other and visually enlarge the space

Color plays an important role in the design of a small garden. Some shades give warmth, others create a feeling of coolness

The color scheme of the space is of great importance in such improvement. White and shades of purple soothe, heal people. Red and yellow enhance energy, increase efficiency. It is important not to overload the garden and flower beds with an abundance of colors.

Yin energy colors - blue, purple, black, white. Yang colors include yellow, red and orange. If the balance of Yin and Yang is maintained, then in such a wonderful space a person truly relaxes.

There should be few shrubs, but their colors should be chosen so that the composition will delight with beauty all summer

All plantings and buildings are also made on the basis of a harmonious combination of the five elements. High-quality furniture, ponds, beautiful plants, sculptures, mirror mosaics on fences, proper care of the garden will help maintain a balance of energy and well-being in a country house.

Garden design should look like a single composition, not a collection of random elements

In the design of a small area, it is important to observe moderation without cluttering it excessively, keeping all the elements in the same style. If you can’t ennoble the space with your own hands, you can turn to professional designers for help.

Expert opinion

Alina Kvileva

Landscape designer

Ask an expert

Hello, my name is Alina and I am a landscape designer, if you have any questions regarding landscape design, ask with pleasure I will answer them.

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Building density in cities is constantly growing, and buying a large plot of land within the boundaries is either very expensive or impossible at all. Therefore, many are forced to build in cramped conditions, putting up a comfortable house, and trying to leave room for a garden that can also be decorated. Having correctly thought over the landscape design of a small area, you can not only transform the local area, but also make it visually larger and more beautiful.

The right fence, the exact location of objects - and your garden turns into a fairy tale

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Contents of the material

Highlights and preliminary planning

A small area is considered to be an area up to 2 acres. Their main drawback is the inability to separate the main objects from each other. They are installed very close, and this makes it difficult to divide the space into zones, which designers love so much. This problem can be solved only through the correct planning of the site and reducing the number of these very objects (they can be combined or transferred to the house).

Landscaping a small area with your own hands - the tiniest yard can be turned into an enclosed patio

The space inside a small area seems enclosed and closed. A high fence installed along the perimeter seems to hang over - neighbors' houses peek out from behind it.

Landscape design of a small area - interesting solutions

Next, you need to scatter them around the territory, making adjustments for some points:

Tip! For lack of extra space, flowers and small plants can be planted in pots, placing them around the perimeter.

Landscaping of a small dacha - instead of palm trees, there could be Christmas trees

The equipment is different - a covered gazebo, an area without a canopy with garden furniture, a small terrace on a hill, a gallery intertwined with climbing plants (read the article about which creepers to choose for the garden), or even a small decorative pond.

And this could be the backyard:

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In what style of landscape design can a small garden be made? Exceptions are areas that require scale - for example: classic, modern, Russian estate and others. You can try to imitate their main features, although it will not look like this without space.

The best destinations for small lots are modern and rustic. Consider a selection of photographs by which the reader can evaluate the work of designers in tiny areas. With the right approach, something similar can be done on your own.

Landscaping Pictures for Small Lots - Mixed Style

Tip! In general, correctly executed contrast zones make the courtyard beautiful.

Minimalist patio English garden in a small area Hi-Tech Garden Simple landscaping of a small plot in front of a house Landscaping of a small area in front of the house

There are many solutions. We showed the basic principles of designing a small garden, and what they are. Here is another small photo gallery with design options. 9Ol000

Landscaping rules for a small plot or the subtleties of proper zoning

So, let's assume that you have a "bare" building plot in front of you. What is the best way to plan it?

Landscaping of a small area: photo from the design project

Tip! If the house is two-story, you can place a garage below in the main part of the house or attach it to the side. The decision will be wise and will save a significant area of ​​land.

Beautiful design of the local area with relief differences Landscaping of a suburban small summer cottage with a play area for children

Tip! Tracks should be abandoned altogether. Choose continuous coatings that will replace each other. For example, part of the yard can be sown with a lawn, and the remaining area can be concreted and tiled. In winter, it will not look so beautiful, but in spring and summer, bright contrasts will please the eye.

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Landscaping a very small area - techniques to visually increase the space in the garden

And now let's talk about the most interesting thing - how to beat all the structures on the site to minimize the feeling of squeezed space. Let's discuss all the important details, and start with the fence.

How to beat a fence correctly

A fence is an indicator of the boundaries of a plot (read about installing a fence between neighbors in the article). It also serves to protect against the penetration of unauthorized persons into the territory, and hides the courtyard from outside views.

Interesting to know! On the territory of our country, standards have been established according to which fences in IZHS can be made of any material and go up to any height. For garden and garden partnerships, as well as settlements, this rule does not work. There, the fence should be at least 50% light-transmitting.

The lower part of the fence is solid, and the upper one is ventilated - arborvitae in landscape design Landscaping of a small garden plot - a light fence along the perimeter of the plot

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The front part of the courtyard when space is limited

Every garden should have a front part that will welcome visitors. From this point, the garden should be viewed completely.

Landscaping Ideas for a Small Plot - Narrow Yard with Path

These areas are usually cleared of extra plants. There are no buildings here either. From the front point, paths can diverge, and along the edges of the flower bed. Along the periphery, you can also place a neat lawn (read how to plant a lawn in the article), on which garden accessories, lighting equipment and various decor will stand.

Paths in a small garden

As we already mentioned, paths should be completely abandoned, but this solution is not suitable for every style. If they are still needed, you should carefully consider the issue of their design.

Landscaping on a small plot in front of the house - a stone path has a semicircular shape

Ground gaps formed between the turns of the path must not be left free. This is a great place for planting ornamental grasses and planting garden molds. The presence of such inserts will attract the attention of the viewer even more.

Landscaping along the edges of the path - you absolutely do not pay attention to the proximity of the fence and buildings

A properly designed path will visually increase the space of the garden, so we pay a lot of attention to the issue of planning. Paths can be paved or paved. They use different materials:

Pebble and Plank Path Combination Landscaping of a small area in front of the townhouse - a platform marked a terrace with a dining area, another part of the garden is made in the form of an alley

Garden path made of WPC boards

Garden parquet on the ground

Even a child can handle the installation

Building materials are also used, the texture of which is selected for the desired style of landscape design. Additionally, we highlight the following materials:

  1. Concrete tiles.
  2. Clinker brick.
  3. Rubber covers.
Photogallery of garden paths - beautiful options for decorating the local area

Lighting a small garden

All we see is light and its perception by our brain. By playing with lighting, you can create the most interesting effects and achieve a visual increase in the territory by highlighting the most important zones.

Illuminated small garden in minimalist style

Lamps in small gardens are installed at the following points:

Attention! The purpose of evening lighting is not only to add beauty to the garden. All potentially dangerous places where you can get injured should be highlighted. For example, stairs, the edges of multi-level platforms, any objects protruding above the ground that you can trip over without seeing.

Sconces on the walls of the house - the main lighting of the plot

Arrangement of plants on the site

Another subtlety is the correct location on the landscaping site. The following methods are used: